In the midst of three weeks off, but thought I'd check in for a visit.
July is typically slow in Rangers land, but, alas, some news came out yesterday with the inking of forward Justin Bailey.
Glad to see the deal done. I had heard that the Trouba hoopla (scroll down) may have thrown a wrench into the team's plans, but it looks like the power forward wasn't buying news about the alleged payoff.
Bailey is an interesting player.
His dad Carlton played for the Buffalo Bills. He spent the past season playing for the Long Island Royals under coach, and former NHLer Pat LaFontaine. And he's friends with a bunch of ex-Sabres including Matt Barnaby and Mike Peca.
Bailey was drafted by the Indiana Ice of the USHL and had verbally committed to Michigan State for 2013.
He brings size, grit and a scoring touch.
Could we see a youngin' line of Bailey, Josh Sterk and Brent Pedersen? Sounds like an intriguing trio. We'll have to wait and see.
One thing is certain, there is a surplus of forwards. I suspect GM/head coach Steve Spott -- who isn't going to the New Jersey Devils as an assistant coach -- will be making a few more deals before the season begins to help clear the log jam up front.
